So, my goal is... around June... to build one huge frakkin Storage array to keep things like Backups, Media, and VMs. Although I'd be sad/pissed if the array was ever lost it wouldn't be the end of the world, but I'd at least want to try to build something that will last. I think at a later point I'll ask about opinions on what strip-size to run, whether or not to partition, etc but I think hammering out the hardware first would be a good idea. I'm new to this, so please take it easy if I write something stupid You can call me totally nuts, as long as its tactful/funny
Long term plans would include migrating this to a separate box. Though that's money/space limited right now. Current computer specs are listed last.
Requirements:
6 disk (max) Raid-6 (like to keep a ~30% redundancy) array with at least 6TB of usable space
Hard Drive(s):
Unless Seagate or Hitachi step up to the plate, looks like I'm going 2TB Green Power Western Digitals. It's not that unappealing to run a 5400RPM since heats obviously going to become an issue.
RAID Controller:
From what I can gather from reading various forums/websites and such is 3ware's probably the best bet. Specifically, 3ware 9650SE-8LPML. If I could go x8, I'd seriously consider an LSI card, especially with the issues the 9690 seems to have. I'd most likely get the backup battery unit if I went with 3ware or LSI. I'm open to suggestions, like I said I'm new to building an array of this magnitude.
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Computer Specs:
OS: Vista Ultimate x64
CPU: Q9550 (E0) @ 425x8.5 (1.2625 vCore, VID is 1.25) with PM enabled
RAM: 4x4GB of OCZ Ram (running 1:1)
MB: Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS4P (PCI-Express x4 available). I don't think I can run an x8 RAID controller in the second "Video" slot right? I've read people running into issues, so *shrug*.
Video Card: ATI 4670
PS: PC Power & Cooling 610 Watt Power Supply. I'm thinking this might be a problem. What do you guys think? I may eventually upgrade anyways, as I may want a more powerful Video Card.
HDs:
WD 1TB Caviar Black, this is the System Disk that will be brought over. Other disks will be taken out. If arrays successful may look into buying another 1TB and building a RAID 0 array with the MB controller.
Seagate 7200.11 1.5TB
Hitachi 750GB.
A few external 2.5 and 3.5 HDs that house media and VMs that aren't always needed.
Case: CoolerMaster Stacker 832. Cooling situation is in flux. Especially after my damn Scythe Slipstream leaked it's fluid over my HD. Took those out, currently running a mixture of Delta and Panaflo fans. Going to try some Yate Loons, but CPU is around 38-40C idle (1 or 2C above of the MB temp) and around 56-58C on load. Hard Drives stay around 36-40C.
Misc:
APC Smart-UPS 1500 with a 24" LG Monitor and Logitech z-560 speakers connected to it. So far it never goes past "40% load". Basically, it has a 5 light system each representing a 20% block, usually only one is lit, but with some load tacked on the second light comes on.
PS In case anyone is wondering, I'm over 72hours Prime95 blend, 20+ runs IBT, ~24hours OCCT, and 24+hours Memtest stable.
Long term plans would include migrating this to a separate box. Though that's money/space limited right now. Current computer specs are listed last.
Requirements:
6 disk (max) Raid-6 (like to keep a ~30% redundancy) array with at least 6TB of usable space
Hard Drive(s):
Unless Seagate or Hitachi step up to the plate, looks like I'm going 2TB Green Power Western Digitals. It's not that unappealing to run a 5400RPM since heats obviously going to become an issue.
RAID Controller:
From what I can gather from reading various forums/websites and such is 3ware's probably the best bet. Specifically, 3ware 9650SE-8LPML. If I could go x8, I'd seriously consider an LSI card, especially with the issues the 9690 seems to have. I'd most likely get the backup battery unit if I went with 3ware or LSI. I'm open to suggestions, like I said I'm new to building an array of this magnitude.
---------------
Computer Specs:
OS: Vista Ultimate x64
CPU: Q9550 (E0) @ 425x8.5 (1.2625 vCore, VID is 1.25) with PM enabled
RAM: 4x4GB of OCZ Ram (running 1:1)
MB: Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS4P (PCI-Express x4 available). I don't think I can run an x8 RAID controller in the second "Video" slot right? I've read people running into issues, so *shrug*.
Video Card: ATI 4670
PS: PC Power & Cooling 610 Watt Power Supply. I'm thinking this might be a problem. What do you guys think? I may eventually upgrade anyways, as I may want a more powerful Video Card.
HDs:
WD 1TB Caviar Black, this is the System Disk that will be brought over. Other disks will be taken out. If arrays successful may look into buying another 1TB and building a RAID 0 array with the MB controller.
Seagate 7200.11 1.5TB
Hitachi 750GB.
A few external 2.5 and 3.5 HDs that house media and VMs that aren't always needed.
Case: CoolerMaster Stacker 832. Cooling situation is in flux. Especially after my damn Scythe Slipstream leaked it's fluid over my HD. Took those out, currently running a mixture of Delta and Panaflo fans. Going to try some Yate Loons, but CPU is around 38-40C idle (1 or 2C above of the MB temp) and around 56-58C on load. Hard Drives stay around 36-40C.
Misc:
APC Smart-UPS 1500 with a 24" LG Monitor and Logitech z-560 speakers connected to it. So far it never goes past "40% load". Basically, it has a 5 light system each representing a 20% block, usually only one is lit, but with some load tacked on the second light comes on.
PS In case anyone is wondering, I'm over 72hours Prime95 blend, 20+ runs IBT, ~24hours OCCT, and 24+hours Memtest stable.